- Ethereum (ETH) is currently trading at $2,425.89, reflecting a 0.33% increase today, with a market capitalization of $297.68 billion.
- Despite fluctuations over the years, Ethereum remains a leading player in the cryptocurrency market, driven by its decentralized platform and increasing demand for its services.
As of 8 a.m. ET, Ethereum (ETH) is trading at $2,425.89, marking a 0.33% increase today. The cryptocurrency’s highest intraday price in the past year was $4,088.00, recorded on March 12, 2024.
A Brief History of Ethereum
Launched in 2015, Ethereum has become the most popular and successful altcoin, driving significant growth and returns over the past nine years. Ethereum’s highest intraday price in the past 52 weeks was $4,088.00 on March 12, 2024, while its lowest was $1,520.00 on October 12, 2023.
Ethereum Market Cap and Dominance
Ethereum holds a substantial position in the global financial markets with a market capitalization of $297.68 billion, second only to Bitcoin. Together, Bitcoin and Ethereum make up 70% of the cryptocurrency market, with Solana trailing as the third-largest cryptocurrency with a market cap of $86.26 billion.
Understanding Ethereum’s Functionality
Ethereum is a decentralized, blockchain-based platform facilitating secure financial transactions. Its native token, ether (ETH), powers the network. Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum’s programmable blockchain offers additional utility via smart contracts, which automatically execute when predefined conditions are met.
Ethereum’s decentralized network is favored for its independence from Big Tech companies, relying instead on a network of small, private computers. This blockchain technology is pivotal in areas such as decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, socializing, gambling, and the creation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which represent unique digital assets.
Ethereum Gas Fees
To process transactions or utilize smart contractbs on the Ethereum network, users must pay gas fees, akin to highway tolls. These fees are measured in gwei, with one gwei equating to one billionth of an ETH.
Historical Price Movements
2015-2020
Ethereum launched in July 2015 and reached its all-time low of $0.42 in October 2015. The cryptocurrency saw a significant price increase in 2017, hitting $1,000 in January 2018, before peaking at $1,300. A subsequent bear market, referred to as the “crypto winter,” began in 2018.
2021-2024
Ethereum almost reached $5,000 at the end of 2021, with a peak of $4,891.70 on November 16. However, interest rate hikes and notable bankruptcies, such as the collapse of FTX in November 2022, led to another market downturn, with ETH falling below $900.
A new rally began in 2023, driven by optimism and the approval of bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in January 2024. Ethereum spot ETFs, including those from BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale, started trading in July 2024.
In early August 2024, a widespread crypto sell-off led to a significant price drop for Ethereum, from over $3,000 to under $2,500. Currently, ETH is trading at $2,425.89.
Comparing Ethereum and Bitcoin
Since Ethereum’s launch in 2015, both Bitcoin and Ethereum have proven to be exceptional investments. Bitcoin’s year-over-year gain of 127% outpaces Ethereum’s 50% increase.
How to Buy Ethereum
Ethereum can be purchased on major cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken, or through online brokerages such as Robinhood and Webull. Payment apps like Venmo and PayPal also support Ethereum transactions. To store, send, and receive ETH, users need a crypto wallet, which can be a hardware wallet, software app, or a hot or cold wallet.
Ethereum ETFs
The SEC’s approval of Ethereum futures and spot ETFs has provided investors with alternatives to buying ETH directly. Leading Ethereum futures ETFs include the Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF (AETH), VanEck Ethereum Strategy ETF (EFUT), and ProShares Ether Strategy ETF (EETH). The iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), Fidelity Ethereum Fund (FETH), and Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE) are prominent ether spot ETFs.
While Ethereum does not represent ownership of tangible assets or generate earnings, its price is driven solely by supply and demand. As the popularity of the Ethereum network grows, the demand for ETH is expected to increase over time.
